Yellow Bellies

They live with the alligators but are also possible din-din for those guys.  A very strange relationship for sure.  Sometimes they are actually sharing the sunning ramp.  Do you think the turtles KNOW when the alligator is hungry?

Charleston Market

No visit to Charleston is complete without a visit to the Charleston Market - Colorful, exciting and FUN!

Early Spring

Means Camellias, Azaleas, Wisteria and Dogwood trees blooming.  Bad for allergies but so beautiful! In another week or two there will be masses of azaleas at Magnolia - I can't wait!

Alligator Season

There really is no such thing as "Alligator Season" - I just like the sound of it! And, not being a native of the south, I am still really impressed by these frightening looking creatures.

The green "algae" is really called Duckweed and covers most of the waters at the Swamp Garden at Magnolia. Ducks do eat it and it can be useful but it can also cut out all oxygen if it covers completely.

Birds at Magnolia

 It seems that no matter what time of year I visit Magnolia Gardens I get to see a variety of birds and animals.  Most of these weren't "wild" but lovely just the same!

  I had never seen a white peacock before!

Now these guys were definitely wild! Can you see the one laying on the nest?

More Scenes from Magnolia Gardens

It will be so much more beautiful when everything greens up but even this is great.  I love the long early morning shadows.

This is a very, very old Virginia Live Oak that is on the plantation.

The Maples are getting their leaves which bloom red and then turn bright green.

This dock is the personal dock of the Drayton Family who still owns the plantation.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

For the first time we road the tram at Magnolia and we learned so much about the plants, flowers, trees and wildlife along with some of the history of the plantation.  Of course don't quiz me on what we learned - I have already forgotten most of it!

This is the Ladies Room!  Lovely isn't it?

We have yet to tour the home....the gardens are always so wonderful, even in the winter, that we never take the time.

This is the gift shop which is located on the ground floor of the house.

We blended right in with all the "Senior Citizens" on the tram ride.

Spring Flowers

Blossoms

I am getting so excited for spring. There are plants and trees blooming already. Get ready to see lots of beauty!

This is the blooming pear tree next door.

I am not sure of what this is called. My daughter calls it Razzelberry but my neighbor calls it Firecracker Plant. I just call it pretty!

Spring

Spring is coming in a rush this year!  The pear trees bloomed and the the next day the leaves started coming out!  So fast!

Flight

I have been away much too long!  Will try to remedy that.  This is early morning wildlife!